COURAGEOUS cancer survivors led the way as Clacton’s Relay for Life raised £126,000 for the battle against cancer.

The annual event, which marked its 10th anniversary this year, saw almost 100 survivors as well as friends and family step forward at the Parish Playing Fields at Plough Corner, Little Clacton, on Saturday and Sunday.

The Relay for Life initiative takes place across the country to raise cash for Cancer Research UK.

A spokesman for the organisers said: “We are all feeling slightly battered emotionally but extremely proud to announce that so far we have raised an astonishing £126,235.

“Thank you to everyone that has supported and donated.

“We’ve not quite finished yet and are very excited to see what our final total will be on September 28.”

This year’s event saw survivors take part in a lap of honour before friends and family helped to carry on the relay across 24 hours

Among those taking part was Alisha Peters, seven, who was just three-years-old when she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in 2016.

In addition to the relay, there were party games as well as people donning fancy dress.

The money raised by Relay For Life helps to fund Cancer Research UK’s pioneering work to develop new treatments and bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.

Clacton’s Relay for Life is one of the largest fundraisers of its kind in England and Wales .

Last year it saw more than £150,000.